I Feel So Unnecessary

 Kindle Edition 167 KB 33 pages Quaystrokes (August 31, 2011) More Hope for Helpers: Restoring Wholeness to Alzheimer's & Dementia Related Disorder Caregivers by Michael Byrd My rating: 4 of 5 stars This book has more helpful hints for caregivers of family members diagnosed with Alzheimer's and other dementias. It is written in easy to understand language and gives tips on how to deal during the holidays and how to help family members cope with grief. A very useful tool for caregivers. View all my reviews Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy from the author in exchange for a review. Buy it at-

 E-book edition Published- January 2012 by Solstice Publishing 313 pages After divorcing her emotionally abusive husband Cassandra  tries to find solace at her aunt's cabin in the Northern Woods. She thinks she has finally found peace only to be confronted with a stalker. Will she escape her emotionally turbulent past and finally find happiness and true love? Well..read it and find out! This book had a heroine I rooted for- I wanted,no hoped Cassandra would get away from her emotionally abusive husband and find love. I didn't feel as if I was reading the book I felt as if I were a part of the book. It had romance, suspense, and engaging characters. A must read. Rating: 4 stars Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy from the author in exchange for a review.  Buy it at-

So today we took my grandfather to the doctor and when we were done he wanted to go eat- at a buffet of course. And even though I was tempted I did not fill up my plate with carbs as usual. Instead of two different kinds of potatoes I only got one. WOO HOO! Yay me! I also refrained from putting salt on my food. All in all I've been following my NP's orders pretty well. I've only slipped up once...no twice...wait maybe three times. I haven't lost any weight yet but it hasn't been long since she restricted me from having any fun. But I might *gulp* have to start exercising. Ick.

"Lisa", my grandmother asked looking at my wedding band, "Do you think you need to have your ring re-sized?" "No, it's alright", I said. I think it was her way of telling me I had put on weight and my fingers were fat.They're just puffy, though.

Published by: Create Space 434 pages Special Agent Ava Monroe is called in by local law enforcement in Rio de Janerio  to help solve a series of murders committed again Americans. She soon discovers that the authorities operate outside the law and she ends up along with detective Cameron Carter learning their involvement in the case was already planned even before they knew it. This book was an exciting read, it captures your attention its first sentences and I felt that I was in Rio participating in the action. Very enjoyable book. Rating: 3 stars Disclosure: I received a copy of the book from the author.

Book One in The Immortal Prophecy Saga Publisher: Little Bookworm Publishing (December 13, 2011) Kindle edition At sixteen Alessandra gets a prediction that will change her life forever- a tragic event and two men entering her life. One man is to bring her love but the other one only wants to bring her harm. Flash forward five years later and Alessandra is now a private investigator and events are set in motion for her to fulfill her destiny- she finds out she's an Immortal, an evil vampire wants to kill her, and the man who may be her true love re-enters her life. Will she defeat the evil vampire and find true love or will evil triumph? I enjoyed the book- it had interesting characters and plot, romance, danger, adventure...however I would have enjoyed it more if it had been edited a little better, I felt that the sloppy editing distracted from the story. But that won't keep me from reading more in the series because otherwise it was an interesting read. Rating: 3 star...

After several years of not working I recently got a part -time job. It's going to help us get caught up with bills, give me a break (huh?, you ask)- yes a break. As much as I like being with my family and as much as I like helping them I need to be away from them at times. I missed working, I missed being productive, and it's going to keep me from throttling my husband. I love him and enjoy being with him but husbands and wives need to be apart at times. They don't need to be together all the time...it's just not right. I've got a brain for business and a bod for...oh, forget it I like the job, I like the population (developmentally disabled) I work with, and like the people I work with - and no I'm not going to go to great lengths to discuss it like other ninnies who gripe about their jobs on facebook. I mean, do they want to get fired? Well, yeah they probably do. Also, it's flexible which is what I've been looking for. I have time to run errands...

"Lisa," my grandfather Bobo asked as we were watching the news yesterday evening about Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, "Do you remember when King was shot?" "No, I wasn't alive then." "Wasn't alive then?" "No, I hadn't been born yet." He said, "I remember where I was, I was out rabbit hunting with Jake and when I got home they told me he had been shot." What about him trying to make me older than what I am? Even though I was born just a few years after it occurred. But, I'm not in my 40s...yet. Unfortunately, there are two tragedies that occurred during my lifetime that I do remember: The Challenger space shuttle and September 11. I was in school for both happenings- for the Challenger I was an 11 year old 6th grader and we were watching at my school and for 9/11 I was in school again (college) and my English instructor made the announcement. Never had I been surrounded by such quietness. Everything went st...

Going Deep asks the question of how can church leaders develop their congregations into disciples of Jesus? And how can those people develop the skills to influence others? It's a fictional account of a pastor in New Hampshire trying to do just that. The challenge for the pastor is to help his congregation become deep people. How can churches adapt and grow for all the changes that are coming about and stay relevant for the future- Pastor MacDonald and his church go on a quest to find out. Even thought the book is told from a fictional point of view it still has good pointers for pastors, missionaries, and other leaders. It is a well-told, interesting story, and it contains useful tips for churches today. It gives people tools to help others become influential. Even though it's over 300 pages long it is not a tiring read, in fact it didn't seem that long at all. I recommend this book for anyone who would like to give others the tools to be "fishers of men." ...

Today I had my three month check-up. Whoopee! My nurse practitioner was discussing my blood work and vitals with me and this is how it went: NP: "Your blood pressure was good this time." Me: I've cut back on the salt. NP: "Well, it's working, so just keep doing it. Your blood sugar was fine but you know with your poly-cystic ovarian syndrome and your family history it does make your more susceptible to diabetes so we have to keep a close eye on your blood sugar. Do you drink a lot of soft drinks with sugar?" (This is where I try to come up with a believable lie) Me: Well... NP: "Fess up, do you drink three a day?" Sometimes. NP: They're what 150 calories each?" I guess so. (Sure they would be if I drank cans...but I don't...) NP: "Ok, three at 150 calories each in a day, that's about 600 calories...that's about a whole meal at once. If you were to cut those out or replace them with water (ick) or sugar-free drink...

While outside with his brother and younger sister at night fourteen year old Jacob sees a hulking shadow in the forest and then suddenly Jacob and Matt hear their young sister screaming from the backyard. When they go to investigate they find wolves standing over her. As Matt, the older brother takes Amberly inside the wolves lunge for Jacob. As Jacob runs into the familiar forest he suddenly comes upon a part of it he's never seen. Is he still in the forest he knows or has Jacob stumbled into a whole other world? This young adult novel is also well suited for adult reading... it takes the reader on an adventure of good versus evil and quite an adventure it is. From the first few pages, I didn't feel like I was reading the book I felt like I WAS a character in the book. And what interesting, engaging characters they are. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading more of Andrea's works. Rating: 4 stars And you dear readers have a chance to win your very...

Today in Times Square people gathered for Good Riddance Day- a day for getting rid of your worst memory from 2011. All I can say is if I had went I'd have to moved up there because I would have been a long time choosing. The thought of symbolically getting rid of bad memories is an interesting idea; but I'm of the school of thought that bad experiences are ultimately a good thing. Of course, I didn't enjoy having cruddy things happen to me but once they were over I found I learned more from the bad than from the good. They're character builders and I am one who has A LOT of character. And for that I'm thankful. On another note, I recently read a blog post by Laura Lippman on one word resolutions for the New Year. Now usually my only resolution is not to make any resolutions but her post intrigued me. So I decided my one word resolution for 2012 would be temperance. No sillies, I don't drink too much...in fact I should probably drink more. My problem is I need ...

When walking in my grandparents' house from taking my grandfather to the doctor I found the aide in the kitchen on her cell phone and my grandmother by herself in the living room. According to Cille and Mom this is an ongoing thing. So...I made a phone call and this is how it went: Me: Hi, I just found your aide in the kitchen on her cell phone and my grandmother alone. Does she supposed to even have a cell phone with her? My grandmother can't be left a lone...what if she had tried to get up and fell? Personal care agency: You mean your grandmother can't be left alone at all, so the aide can't leave the room at all? Me: She has to leave the room to do some things I just don't want her talking on the freakin' cell phone while she's here. You do know my grandmother's a fall risk? Agency: Yes, we do. Me: Well how well can you watch someone when you're either talking on the phone or texting? Personal care agency: I'm just trying to clarify, you...

As I was taking a wheelchair out of the store to take to my grandmother I noticed a sign not to take wheelchairs or scooters outside. Well, being one to not follow rules I started out the door with it...and all of a sudden heard "BEEPBEEPBEEP!" I understand they might be afraid of the chairs getting stolen, but it was a fairly big wheelchair with a metal bar attached to it. It's not like we could stuff one in the trunk or something. Yes, that's right folks- Beware of Mamaw Cille the Wheelchair Bandit and her two nefarious sidekicks Glenda the Bad Witch and The Book Worm! They strike fear into the hearts of pharmacies and medical supply stores everywhere. Mwahahahaahhaha, hide your walkers, hide your canes, hide your Poli-grip and hide your Ben-gay!

I'm going to get on my soapbox for a few minutes. I'm sorry if my opinion offends anyone but oh well. I see certain phrases that facebook users can "like". I've used this feature myself. There are some of these phrases concerning welfare or food stamps, basically they're making statements about the lazy, welfare riders of our society. It's true there are some people who take advantage of the entitlement programs. They know the laws better than the people working at the social welfare agencies. These are the people that want something for nothing and therefore take advantage of every program out there. These people, however, are in the minority. When you talk about welfare reform and you're getting tired of others sitting on their backsides taking tax dollars off of hardworking people the majority of the ones you're speaking of need it, worked for it, and therefore deserve it. It's true the entitlement system is broken,it needs to b...

After Dad's doctor appointment I made an off hand comment that my brother and I need to keep adding to the list of medical conditions our family has. Dad's response: "Well, things like cancer, diabetes, etc. is gonna happen. It's all generic." Me: "I think that's genetic, Dad." Dad: "Whatever. But it is."

On the way to Camp Bethel to look at Christmas lights- Alvin and the Chipmunks "Christmastime is Here" came on the radio-My Dad said,  "Lisa, turn that up. That's what I'm wanting to hear." (Who knew?) Chipmunks:"Christmas, Christmas time is here..." Mom: "ALVIN!" Dad: "Hush! I'm listening to the song." "Time for joy and time for cheer..." Mom: "ALVIN!" Dad: "I want to listen to the song!" "Simon wants a loop de loop, or whatever the heck they're saying..." Mom: "ALVIN!"... FUN TRIP.

Grandfather: Wanna walk? Cille: You wanna hush? Grandfather: Yeah. Cille: Well, do it then.

Earlier I wrote a post reviewing "Angel Evolution" by David Estes. This is the first book in the Evolution trilogy. Well, I'm pleased to announce David is giving away 200, yes 200!, e-book copies. It's a book I enjoyed very much. All you have to do to enter is: 1. Like David's facebook page- http://www.facebook.com/pages/David-Estes/130852990343920 or... 2. Follow his blog- http://davidestesbooks.blogspot.com/ or... 3. Follow him on twitter- https://twitter.com/#%21/davidestesbooks  To get your free e-book copy you can e-mail David at: davidestes100@yahoo.com.au (and tell him Lisa from I feel so unnecessary sent ya!) The giveaway will be open until December 13, 2011. Good luck! Lisa

1st book in the evolution series Angel Evolution by David Estes( e-book format) Published: Oct. 10, 2011 Young adult fantasy "Angel Evolution" is the first book in the Evolution trilogy. It centers on Taylor and Gabriel- Taylor is the only one who notices Gabriel's glow. She is both intrigued and scared of him. While Taylor is trying to find answers she finds herself in the middle of an ages old conflict. I like young adult books and I like fantasy so this was a winning combination. I enjoyed Taylor's quest to find out more about Gabriel and about herself. It wasn't an overlong story, it was a quick, enjoyable read. I look forward to reading the other two books in the trilogy.  4 out of 5 stars. book 2 in the series Disclosure- received a complimentary copy from the author. book 3 in the series You can find David at: http://davidestesbooks.blogspot.com/ http://www.facebook.com/pages/David-Estes/130852990343920 and https://twitter.com/#%21...